Cultural control

For growers producing their own seedlings, avoid over-watering and handle plants as little as possible. Disinfest greenhouses, tools, and equipment between seedling crops with a commercial sanitizer.

For growers purchasing transplants, buy plants from reputable growers who start with clean seed and use good cultural practices to reduce disease.

Once plants are in the field, avoid overhead watering

Do not work in plants when wet to avoid spreading disease.

Avoid high-pressure sprays, as these may injure leaves enough to encourage the introduction of the bacterial pathogen.

Disinfect pruners and other tools by dipping in a commercial sanitizer, or a 1:9 dilution of germicidal bleach. To be efficient when pruning, have two pruners and alternate between them between plants to allow proper soaking time.

Bury or remove crop debris at the end of the season.

Rotate away from tomato or pepper for a year. It is important to control tomato or pepper volunteers during that time.

Chemical control

Pesticides are available to protect tomatoes and pepper from bacterial spot. Applications should be made when environmental conditions favor disease to be the most effective and repeated according to label instructions.